CURRENT STATUS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE EU

Abstract

Renewable energy is one of the priorities of the Energy Union. Directive 2009/28 / EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources is a central element of the Energy Union's policy and a key driver for achieving the 2020 renewable energy targets. In terms of energy security, renewables reduce the dependence on imports of combustible minerals. Increased use of renewable energy has allowed the EU to reduce demand for fossil fuels. Similarly, Europe's dependence on energy imports will decline thanks to primary energy supply, which will largely come from renewable energy sources. For the internal energy market, renewables are playing an increasing role, in particular for the electricity market. Renewable energy is one of the key drivers of innovation. In the renewable energy sector, more than half of the inventions of EU-based companies obtain patent protection outside Europe. This demonstrates the high value of the innovations, as patent protection is given that it has commercial potential in foreign markets. This makes the EU one of the world's leading innovation leaders. The EU is a benchmark for successful paths to an energy future based on renewable energy, taking the lead in energy innovation. The renewable energy sector is a source of economic growth, jobs and significant financial turnover. Reducing the cost of technology in the renewable energy sector, combined with digitization, makes renewable energy important for consumers. Current renewable energy policies and planned initiatives may not be sufficient in a number of EU Member States to achieve their national binding targets on time. In this context, there is a continuing mobilization effort at all levels and throughout the European Union.